. >> translator: the strategic environment has been changing drastically in the asia pacific region. it is crucial that japan strengthen its cooperative ties with asean members to secure peace and prosperity in this area. >> suga denied suggestions from the media that china's expansion in the south china sea is the main reason for the visit. he and prime minister abe want to firm up economic partnerships with these fast-growing asian countries, which are leading global economic growth. >>> senior officials of the ruling liberal democratic party and it's coalition party have agreed on abe's economic stimulus plan. the agreement came on thursday at a meeting attended by abe who is also the ldp leader and new komeito leader, natsayama guchi. abe calls the stimulus the first in a series of measures to avoid the economy's freefall and promote private sector investment. one of the three pillars of the package is projects for post- disaster rebuilding and disaster containment. these will include road repairs and making school buildings quake-resistant. the second is the creation of wealth t